Me3SiCl and Et3SiI‐promoted one‐pot synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives

An efficient synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives has been achieved by the one‐pot cyclocondensation reaction of methyl 3‐aminocrotonate and a range of aldehydes in the presence of chlorotrimethylsilane as a promoter under solvent‐free conditions. The cyclocondenstion reaction requires a very short time and takes place in good to excellent yields. Furthermore iodotriethylsilane, generated in situ by the reaction of triethylsilane and methyl iodide in the presence of palladium chloride, has been investigated for the synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyridine derivatives. This facile and efficient method affords high yields for the preparation of 1,4‐dihydropyridines at room temperature and short reaction times. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.